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Empowering Abilities Fellowship

APPLICATION OPENS OCTOBER 5, 2026

What We Do

Empowering Abilities

The Arc Montgomery County’s Empowering Abilities Direct Support Professional (DSP) Fellowship provides people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) the opportunity to train for a career as a Direct Support Professional.

This program is exclusively for people with IDD who are interested in using their lived experience to support others with disabilities.

The 10-week paid fellowship, based in Montgomery County, provides participants with comprehensive job training, mentorship, and certification courses designed to prepare them for employment as DSPs. Participants are paid for their time throughout the program.

Upcoming Fellowship Dates

Applications Open: October 5, 2026
Application Deadline: January 8, 2027
Fellowship Sessions: February 1–April 9, 2027

  • What is a Direct Support Professional (DSP)?
    What is a Direct Support Professional (DSP)?

    A Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides support, guidance, and supervision to people with disabilities. Their main role is to help people achieve their personal goals, become active members of their communities, and make choices about their lives.

  • Program Overview
    Program Overview

    Duration: 10 weeks

    Location: Montgomery County, MD

    Focus: Training people with disabilities to become DSPs

    Components: Accessible curriculum, job coaching, mentoring, and shadowing

    Outcome: Training for entry-level DSP positions (non-accredited)

  • Program Prerequisites
    Program Prerequisites

    • Are 18 years or older

    • Live in Montgomery County, Maryland

    • Are eligible to work in the US

    • Have a High School Diploma, GED, or High School Certificate

    • Have lived experience as a person with a disability

    • Successfully pass a criminal background check

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EA 2024 Slideshow
  • Two black women posing and facing forward with the one on the left holding a bouquet of flowers
  • Four black women posing and facing forward next to a The Arc floor sign and orange and purple ballon arc
  • Three black women posing and facing forward next to a The Arc floor sign and orange and purple ballon arc
  • Two black women one with a walking assistance device, and a white woman with a walking assistance device having a conversation in front of a refreshments table
  • A graduation sheet cake with white frosting and graduation décor with the phrase "Congrats Empowering Abilities Grad!" written in white and purple frosting
  • Two black women and a black man posing with an event program and facing forward while seated at a table
  • A white woman and white man posing and facing forward while seated at a table
  • A shot of event attendees seated at event tables or standing in small groups, all while having conversations with a The Arc floor sign and orange and purple ballon arc in the background
  • A stack of event programs with the Empowering Abilities logo at the top center and the event date and time listed below - EMPOWERING ABILITIES DSP FELLOWSHIP GRADUATION CELEBRATION, Friday, June 20, 2025
  • A black woman with a walking assistance device posing and facing forward
  • A black woman standing and speaking at a lectern in front of a The Arc sign and orange and purple ballon arc
  • A close up shot of a black woman, a black man, and a white woman facing forward and posing
  • A close up shot of a southeast Asian man, a southeast Asian woman, and a black woman facing forward and posing
  • A white young man and a white woman posing and standing behind a white woman that is seated and facing forward
  • A group picture of two black women and two black men posing and facing forward in front of a The Arc sign and orange and purple ballon arc
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*The Empowering Abilities Fellowship is a non-accredited professional training program that leads to real employment opportunities. We believe that lived experience of disability is a valuable qualification that enhances the DSP profession and improves support services for all.*

For more information, email Nicole Lindsay, or call 301.984.5777 x1244.

The Empowering Abilities logo consisting of "Empowering Abilities" over a purple and orange arc with a The Arc logo beneath and above "A Direct Support Professionals Fellowship"
Phone 301.984.5777
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